No word on possible store closings

Staples, Inc. and RadioShack officials have declined comment on whether or not their Goldsboro stores will be affected by the companies' announced closures of stores nationwide.

RadioShack plans to close up to 1,100 "poorly performing" stores and Staples 225 locations as it shifts attention to new products and more online sales.

Goldsboro has two RadioShack locations -- one in Berkeley Mall and the other at Berkeley Commons.

Staples is located in Berkeley Plaza.

"We are not releasing a store-closing list at this time," RadioShack officials said in an email response to questions. "However, RadioShack will maintain market coverage as part of this plan, with more than 4,000 U.S. stores in the RadioShack footprint.

"We will have information to share in the future."

Staples officials had no additional information either.

"As customers shift online, we are taking aggressive action to right-size our retail footprint," Staples director of public relations Carrie McElwee said in an email. "We are committed to providing great service and every product businesses need whether it's in-store, online or through mobile.

"We don't have additional details to share on specific locations or timing."

Ms. McElwee also sent a press release noting that Staples will add eight new categories to its retail stores.

The product expansion will launch in mid-March.

According to the release, Staples will add about 1,600 items in categories beyond office supplies. At the same time, the company will remove about 1,000 items, creating an assortment of office supply essentials.

The eight new categories include facilities and breakroom supplies, maintenance repair and operations items; mail and ship expanded assortment, retail supplies for small businesses; storage solutions; gifts and cards for office parties; organizational accessories from Poppin brand; and early education toys and learning aids.

The items were added after extensive customer tests over the past year.